After the Detroit Lions’ 34-17 win over the Chicago Bears, head coach Dan Campbell kept his attention on the upcoming games as the team fights for the NFC North title and the NFC’s top seed. With both the Lions and Minnesota Vikings holding 13-2 records, the race to finish the regular season promises to be thrilling.
Lions and Vikings in NFC North Race
Sharing the NFC North lead with the Vikings, the Lions face a crucial Week 17 clash against the San Francisco 49ers, while the Vikings meet the Green Bay Packers. Week 18 brings a potential showdown between the Lions and Vikings, possibly deciding the division and the No. 1 seed.
Campbell understands the importance of the next two games. “You can tell a lot. To me, you can tell a lot,” Campbell said regarding the Lions’ competitiveness with the Vikings. “Look, there’s stuff we’ve got to fix from this game. We’ve got a lot to clean up.”
Improving and Building Momentum
Despite the victory, Campbell stressed the need to improve moving forward. “As I told them, the two most important things for me were I wanted to see us play Detroit football, and I wanted to win. That was it. I gave no other stipulations,” Campbell explained. “We have the keys to victory offensively and defensively, but I just wanted to see our identity take shape and win this game, and we did.”
Playoff Preparation
Focusing on the final two games, Campbell highlighted the need for ongoing progress. “Next week, we’ll know more and adjust, and then the final week we’ll learn even more,” Campbell noted. “By then, you’re in the playoffs and playing your best football.”
As the Lions chase the NFC North crown and top seed, the emphasis remains on continuous improvement. With a pivotal game against the Vikings ahead, Campbell’s focus on adaptation and refinement will be key to finishing strong and gearing up for an exciting postseason.
